Report: Arson attack at derelict school in Ashmore Park, Wednesfield

A large fire took hold of a derelict school site in Russell Close, Ashmore Park, Wednesfield on Thursday 28th October. No one was hurt in the incident.

The former Danesmore Park Primary School which has been derelict since it was closed by Wolverhampton City Council in December 2007 went up in smoke around 2pm.

The fire, which caused a partial roof collapse in one wing of the building was not caused by gas or electricity and after an investigation by fire service officers is being treated as arson. Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact Wolverhampton Police on 0345 113 5000.

Residents in Russell Close told WV11.co.uk that the emergency services attend minor incidents at the school site regularly.

By 2:30pm smoke could be seen billowing from some distance away and a large crowd gathered as children from across the estate came to see what was happening to their former school during the half term holiday.

Fire engines from Walsall, Bloxwich, Tettenhall, Tipton, and Wolverhampton joined those from Fallings Park as crews fought to bring the blaze under control. Rapid response ambulances and Police officers were also in attendance and Russell Close was closed to traffic and pedestrians as a precautionary measure.

Local councillors Hazel Keirle and Neil Clarke arrived at the scene to talk to Fire Marshals and an inspector from Wolverhampton City Council arrived to survey the damage caused. Councillor Keirle raised concerns that this was the 3rd school in Wolverhampton to have been damaged by fire in recent weeks.

The fire was extinguished at 4:31pm and the fire service went about making the site secure. The local park which borders the school was closed early in order to prevent access to the site.

Click on the slideshow above to see WV11’s photos from the scene, which were also posted on Facebook as events unfolded.